Originally published 16 June 2003

Warwick Volunteers are running a number of informal 'drop-in' information sessions for students and staff to find out about the challenging, different and fun volunteering projects.

The sessions are a chance to find out what volunteering is all about without committing yourself or your time. Projects will be running throughout the summer and there will also be many opportunities at the start of the new academic year in October.

Drop-in Sessions

On Tuesday 17 June STAR (Student Action For Refugees) are holding a meeting in MR 4/5 in Students’ Union North at 4 p.m. Come along and hear how you can be involved in raising awareness of the refugee policy and how you can volunteer with refugees locally.

Jigsaw Youth Club

Wednesday 18 June (week 9) 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm MR 1

Jigsaw is a youth group for teenage refugees and is a chance for them to meet people, try new activities and generally just relax. Jigsaw needs volunteers that are enthusiastic and fun!

Mentoring/Student tutoring

Thursday 19 June (week 9) 4.30 p.m. – 6.30 pm MR1

Mentors meet a student in a local school/college for about 1-2 hours a week, and help raise their aspirations if they might not be considering further or higher education.

Both training and an opportunity to gain accreditation towards a module as part of the Warwick Skills Programme are available. You’ll gain skills and experience that will help you in any future career.

Student tutors go into a local school, either primary or secondary, and spend one morning or afternoon a week assisting the children with their work. It’s good fun, great experience and the teachers are always very grateful.

Young Offenders

Friday 20 June (week 9) 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm MR 1

• International students – give a talk about your home country in the education classes at Onley Young Offenders Institute.
• One to one mentoring – work with someone who has either offended or has been identified as a potential young offender. A cinema trip, a talk or even meeting them for a coffee can make a real difference.
• Appropriate adult –If a young offender is arrested and has no parent or guardian available, you will act as an appropriate adult if you’re ‘on call’.

Extensive training is provided.

Friendship Project

Monday 23 June (week 10) 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm MR 2

Volunteers befriend a child on a one-to-one basis, offering support and friendship they might lack in their life. All you need to give is a couple of hours a week to take the child to the cinema, bowling or even just for a walk in the park. Fun for all involved!

Visit www.warwick.ac.uk/volunteers or email us: volunteers@warwick.ac.uk for more details.